I mean to shut up my house, having previously stored it with provisions for a twelvemonth, and shall suffer no member of my family to stir forth as long as the plague endures." "I am ready to remain within doors, if it continues twenty years," replied his wife.

"But how long do you think it _will_ last, doctor ?" "Till next December, I have no doubt," returned Hodges.
"So long ?" exclaimed Amabel.
"Ay, so long," repeated the doctor.

"It has scarcely begun now.

Your father is right to adopt these precautions.

It is the only way to insure the safety of his family." "But----" cried Amabel.
"I am resolved," interrupted Bloundel, peremptorily.